Coding typewriter



Oct. 26 1926.

H. M. ARONSON CODING T'YPEWRITER- Filed Feb 10. 1926 4 Sheets- -Sheet 1 Oct. 26 1926.

H. M. ARONSON CODING 'LYPEWRITER Filed Feb. 10, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 2' oat. 26

- 1,604,110 H. M. ARONSON r CODING TYPEWR I TER Filed Feb.

10, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct 26 1926.

H. M. ARQNsoN CODING TYPEWRITER Filed Feb. 10. 1926 4 Sheet S-Sheet 4 mi 233 92 3:3 szgimst JihwQ m www w u a N: 0% 2% iii gi 3 -53? 3g mmo dm $3 B 312% Pa e?! a. ze, 192s.

vm n. AnoNso or rrr'rsnunen, PENNSYLVANIA.

CODING TYPEWBITERL Application filed February 10, 1928. Serial No. 87,268.

The invention relatesto coding is pewriters for automatically coding and coding messages writtenin the usual way. It has for its principal object, the rovision of an 6 improved form of machine 0 comparatively simple constructiom which will automatically translate, into a practically undecipherable code, subject matter written in the usual way, and which can be similarly l employed to decode the'messages. he invention is shown and described as applied to a typewriter of the cyIinder'type, such for instance, as the Hammond, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited to cylinder machines,

which the power applied to the keys by the operator actuates t e mechanism, as the parts, under the control of the operator, may be motor driven. One embodiment Nof the invention, and of its method of use,

is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a typewriter with the coding device applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the/working parts paratus in connection with'two of the keys of the keyboard. Fig. 3 is a perspective ,view, partly in section, showing the parts in a difierent position. Fig. 4 isa perspective detail view of two of the parts, one of which is broken away. Fig. 5 is a detail plan view of one of the parts. And Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrative of the principal of o and oi it s method 0 use, in connection with a sample" code (namely +1-2+2 --3).

:The standard cylinder machine, to which the resent invention is preferably applied, emp eye" a type ring mounted to oscillate around a vertical axis, with a strikingor impressing member opposite the ope ative position of the ring and an inter osed rib- "bon and the paper which is to be imprinted. The striking of any key swings t 0 type ring so that the character on the ring, corresponding tothat on the key, moves to po- .sition opposite the striking member which then moves forward when the key is released and strikes the back of the paper. The ,positioningof the type ring is governed by stop pins, which are pushed up by the keys and determine the angle through which the type rin is swung. In order to limit the extent '0 the angle through which the type ring is swung, such movement oc urs or to machines in of the ape lVith. the apparatus,

eration of the machine, I

in two directions from a central osition,

one half of the keys of the keyboar swing mg the type rlng in one direction, and the other half of the keys swinging it in the other direction. This machine is well known in the art, so that only a brief description is necessary In order to indicate its general characteristics.

The present machine, in its preferred embodiment, as later described more fully, involves a relatively simple modification of the foregoing cylinder machine. Briefly stated, the improved machine is provided with a plurality of similar type rings placed one above the other on a supporting cylinder, and each adjustable around the axis of oscillation of such cylinder, so that each may occupy a plurality of difi'erent angular positions corresponding in number to the number of characters on the rings. The cylinder is also mounted for movement up and down in a series of steps, so that any one of the rings may be brought to the level of'the striking or impressing device, the other rings being at such time in inop erativ'e positions. An automatic raising and lowering device for the cylinder is provided, arranged so as to be given a ste -by-step movement by the actuation of tihe keys.

as thus arranged, the actuation 0 he keys shifts the type rings first up and then down in a continuously recurrmg cycle, and each in turn acts to imrint one of its characters upon the paper.

or instance, with four type rings and starting with the upper ring in position opposite the striking hammer, the actuation of a key will cause a character on this ring (corresponding to the key struck) to be impressed on the paper. On' the actuation of a second key, the type cylinder will be raised so as to bring the next ring below up to operative position,

a position such may be termed be understood that when any key is struck, the character brought to printing position is that on the key, the foregoing operation would give a printed page exactly the same as if only the single type ring of a standard cylinder machine were used, but as heretofore indicated, each of the rings is adjustable circumferentially, and in using the mathine for code work, each ring is adjusted either backward or forward from its normal position, so that the characters printed by each ring are out of correspondence with the keys struck, and a practically undecipherable text is produced, unless the code is known. In order to decode a text of thischaracter, all that is necessary is to set the rings on the nachine in positions the reverse of those used in coding, and when the coded text is typed. the original uncoded text is the result.

The principle of the machine will be readily apparent by reference to Fig. 6. wherein the four type rings are designated by the reference numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, and the keys of the key board by thennumeral 5. A fifth ring 6 is also shown above the keys merely to illustrate the so-called normal position, such fifth ring not being present in the actual machine of Figs. 1 to 4. These type rings are shown as developed; i. e. straightened out into a plane so that all the characters show, and the characters, for sim plicity of illustration, are in alphabetical order, and limited to twenty-six in number, corresponding to the keyboard, but it will that in an actual machine, the number of characters will correspond in order and number to those on a standard typewriter, and that the arrangement of the characters on the keyboard will correspond to those on a standard keyboard.

' If the four rings 1,2, 3 and 4 were all adjusted to normal position, namely that of the ring 6, the actuation of the keys would give a text corresponding throughout to the letters of the keys. To give a code message, therings are all adjusted from the central normal position 6. To illustrate, the code +12+23 is selected. Proceeding in accordance with this code, the top ring 1 is adjusted one step or space to the left to the position illustrated; the second ring 2 is adjusted two steps to the right to the position shown; the third ring 3 is adjusted two steps to the left to the position shown, and the fourth ring 4 is adjusted three steps to the right to the position shown. Assume that the term patent law patent law (two words repeated to show divergence when coded) is to be coded. Striking the key 32' gives the printed letter 9 from the next key mstruck gives the printed letter 9 from the second ring 2; the next key if struck gives the printed letter v from the third ring 3; the next key 6 struck gives the printed letter I) from the fourth derstood. Referring to Fig. 1; 1, 2,

first ring 1; the.

ring 4: the next key 4?. struck gives the printed letter 9 from the third ring 3, etc., the term patent law patent law, as completely coded, reading qyvbpr myy mcrflv icu. In actual coding, the spacing between the words would, of course, be omitted. The rings are brought into action, as heretofore referred to, in a continuously recurring cycle. in the order 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2,1, 2, 3,4, 3, 2, etc. the number of possible code combinations, when four rings are employed, is so great that the possibility of decoding without the key is practically negligible. Further, this number of possible combinations may be magnified to any desired extent by increasing the number of rings. Inorder to decode a message made in accordance with the code +1 2+23, as above de-- scribed, it is only necessary to reset the rings reversely, and typewrite the coded message. Such setting for the code given would be 1+22+3. Vith the rings so set, the Writing of the coded hrase qyvbpr myy mcrflv icu gives 'the d coded phrase patent law patent law.

lVith the foregoing explanation of the principle involved, the mechanism of the machine, as illustrated will be readily un- 3 and 4 are the type rings heretofore referred to, 5 is the keyboard, two of whose keys 7 and 8 only are shown in Fig. 2; 9 is the base of the machine, 10 -is the ribbon, behind which is the paper 11 to be imprinted and one of the rolls 12 for feeding the paper up and down, the other roll, as well as a number of the usual typewriter details having nothing to do with being shown. It will also be understood that the parts 11 and 12 are carried on the-usual carnage mounted for movement step-bystep transversely of the machine to carry the device.

As indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, the type rings 1,2, 3 and 4, are carried upon a cylinder or type drum 13,which in turn is carried by and attached to the tubular shaft or tube 14 so that it moves vertically therewith when the shaft is given such movement. This tubular shaft is splined in the sleeve 15, which latter is swivelled in the frame member 16 (Fig. 3}. The sleeve has at its upper end the plate 17 extended at one end to provide the finger 18, and provided with the pair of shoulders 19, 19, as indicated in Fig. 5. The plate'is also provided with an extension 20 carrying the rod 21, which extends upward into the perforation 22 in the cylinder 13. i

The finger 18 is turned to position the cylinder by means of the keys as indicated in Fig. 2, two only of such keys being shown.

The keys are pivoted M23 and 24, and are all extended beneath the curved plates 25 and paper past the printing or impressing the present invention, not

26 carried by the rock shaft 27, and normally held in lower position by springs 28. The rock shaft also carries a pair of arms 29 and 30, which engage the shoulders 19, 19 on the 5 plate 17. When any key is pressed down, therefore, it swings the plate 17 laterally and turnsthecylinder, either one way or the other. The extent to which the cylinder is turned, .is goverened by the stop pins 31,

1 32, 'etc., guided in the rings 33 and 34 carried by the framework of the machine.

of each of the keys 7, 8, etc., engages one of these pins, and when the key is depressed or struck the corresponding pin is raised,

1 so that its end projects above the ring 34 and acts as a stop for the finger 18. The pins are held down bythe springs 35, so that they move down to inoperative position when the keys are released. The loca- 20 tion of the pins is of course, coordinated with the position of the type rings 1,2, 3

and 4 on the cylinder 13, so that, when any key is struck, the cylinder is stopped with the corresponding character on one of the rings in printing position, suchposition being opposite the striker or hammer 36 (Fig.

3) located at the rear side of the cylinder back of the paper 11 and ribbon 10,- After a key is struck and the cylinder positioned,

the hammer is-moved forward sharply upon the release of the keys and strikes the paper, "carrying it and the ribbon against the tvpe character on one of the type The mechanism for actuating the striker or hammer in timed relation with the actuation of the keys is well known in the art, and. for the sake of clearness in the showing1 a other arts, is not illustrated. One of the eye 7 8,- etc., are arranged to swing the cylinder 13 in one direction and the other half to swing it in the other direction. The range of the swing in each direction is 180 degrees, so that the entire circumference of each of the type rings 1, 2, 3 and 4 is utilized, being provided with the same number of characters as there are ke(ys. e upper ring 1 ispreferablyprovi ed with two rows of letters, one being small and the other "capitals, and when the machine is used as an ordinarynon-coding typewriter,

only this one ring is used, just as in the ordinary cylinder machine, which has the two rows of type on the one ring. When the machine is thus used for non-coding urposes with the single ring in service, is of course necessary to disconnect the device (later described) for bringing1 the rings 2, 3 and 4 into service, and provi e the machine with the usual shifting shifting from small t pc to capitals.

The rings 1, 2, 3 an 4 are mounted on the cylinder 13 for circular adjustment and each is provided with a set of locking notches 37 to corresponding in number to-the number of The end 40 device (not 60 shown) employed in a cylinder machine for oscillation on the shaft 40, anti-friction bear ings 41, 41 being interposed between the cups 42, 42, at the ends of the tubular shaft 14, and the cones 43, 43 threaded onto the shaft The shaft 40, carrying with it the shaft 14 and cylinder 13, is moved up and down, stepby-step, b the lever 44, pivoted on the pin 45 carrie by the post 46, such lever being forked and slotted, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, and engaging the pins47 projecting from the collar 48 threaded on the shaft 40. The outer end of the lever is provided with' an adjustable counterweight 49 for balancing the weight'of the shaft 40 and the parts carried thereby. 40 is steadied and guided in the base plate 50 of. the machine by the sleeve 51 which is threaded onto the shaft, and has a snug sliding fit in the opening through the plate.

The lever 44 is itself oscillated up and down about the pin 45, by means of a cam 52, mounted for rotation .on the shaft 53 and provided with the groove 54, which engages a pin 55 projecting laterally from the lever. The shaft 53 carries a ratchet member 56, splined thereto, and a second ratchet member 57, loose on the shaft, and provided at its end with the spur gear 58. The me'mber 56 is pressedyieldingly against the membe:- 57 by a sprin 56. The member 57 is rotated back and orth, to give the cam an intermittent forward movement, by means of the rack 59, which engages the gear 58. The proportions are such, that each reciprocation of the rack gives the cam 52 arotation of 60 degrees, so that the shaft 40 and type cylinder is raised inthree steps as the cam moves through 180 degrees, and is then lowered in three steps as the cam moves through a further arc of 180 degrees. A

half rotation of the cam from the position shown in Fig. 3 to that shown in Fig. 2-carrice the cylinder from its lowest position (Fig. 3) with the type ring 1 opposite the hammer 36 to its highest position (Fig. 2),

with the type ring 4 opposite the hammer, I thus bringing characters on the rings 1, 2, 3

and 4 successively into operative or printing position. A further half rotation of the cam in three steps then brings the cylinder from its highest position (Fig. 2) to its lowest position (Fig.3), again successively bringing the type on therings 3, 2 and 1 into rinting position opposite the hammer 36. t will, thus be seen, that the reciprocation of the rack 59 in timed relation with the operation of the keys will bring the type rings su ccessively into printing posi- The lower end of the shaft w 4', a I 1,604,110

tion in a continuously recurring cycle, the downward movement of the key performs order of use of the. rings starting with the a thirdfunction of'rnoving the rack 59 down, position of Fig. 3, being 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1, this being accomplished through the mter- ;2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1, etc., as long as the operation mediary of the bar 60 (engaged by the end r- ;of the machine is continued. of the key) and the crank '62. The key, I The meansfor reciprocating the rack 59' having. performed the functions above set "in timed relation with the actuation of the forth, is now released. This causes the forkeys will be seen by reference to Fig. 2. ward movement of the hammer or striker 36 The keys -7, 8, etc., all pass beneath a curved (Fig. 3) to engage the paper opposite the in bar 60, which bar is mounted for rocking letter-g and cause the printing of such l etmovement 011' pins 61 journalled in the ter, the mechanism whereby 'the. actuation framework of the machine. Keyed upon of the striker is secured upon the release one of the pins 61 is a crank 62, provided of each key being well known in the art, and at its end with a laterally projecting pin 63 not being shown. The release of the key 1 engaginga loop 64 at the upper end' of the also permits the plate 25 to be moved 'down- 60 rack- 59. The rack is suitably guided "for ward by the spring 28, and the lever 29 is v rtical movement in the frame of the maswung back to starting position, so that chine, by means, not shown, and is returned the plate 17 and cylinder 13 are also moved to its upper position by the spring 65, after back to starting osition. The release of- 2 each downward movement,.t-he spring being the key also resui attached at its lower'end to the. in 63 and cylinder 13 one step to bring the second" at its upper end to a suitable xed point type ring 2 to .the level of the striker 36. (not shown) on the frame of the machine. When the key 'is'released, the bar 60 swings It will be seen, that the striking of any of down, due'to the spring 65 which raises the the keys causes a reciprocation of the rack, rack 59, rotating the cam 52 from the the downward movement of the rack runposition of Fig. 3, through an arc of sixty ning the ratchet member 57 backward with degrees, and raising the shaft40, and with it respect to the ratchet member 56, and the up the cylinder 13, and the type rings. The next ward movement of the rack by the spring 65 letter of the message is a and when this key serving to rotate the member 56, and with is pressed down, the letter 3 is brought to it, the shaft 53 and cam 52. The parts are printing position, as indicated by reference 80 proportioned that each reciprocation of to Fig. 6, the second type ring being adithQI'iiCk rotates the shaft 53 a sixth part of justed two characters to the right of normal 'a'whole' revolution, the actuation of three position in accordance with the second figkeys thus'serving'to shift the cam from the ure, 2, of the code. After this character 1 position- 'of Fig. 3 to that of Fig. 2. is printed, the release of the key brings the Referring again to the diagram of- Fig. third type ring 3 into position. opposite the 6, and the sample code +l2+23, and striker or hammer 36, and the actuation of phrase patent law patent law, there used for the next key t causes the movement of the -Q illustration, the operation of the machine is character -v to printing position. The -reas; follows, starting withthe parts in the lease of this .key brings the fourth ring 4 position of Fig. 3, with the cylinder 13 in to printing position and the actuation of the the lowermost of its four positions. The key e causes the movement of the character four type rings are first set to correspond b to printing position. The cam 52 is to the code, the ring 1 being to the left one now in the position of Fig. 2, and when the w character or notch, the second ring 2 being key e is released and the character I) printed, shifted to the right two characters, the third the further rotation of the cam, causes the I rim 3 being shifted to the left two notches, lowering of the cylinder and type rings one an; the fourth ring 4 beingshifted to the step, thus bringing the ringiaagain to printright three notches. The rings will now ing position. The key actuate at this time occupy the positions with respect to normal is n, which brings the letter p to printing posit on, as shown in Fig. 6, and are locked position. The foregoingis sufficient to indiinsuch positions by the catches 38. If now cate the cycle without further detailed de-, the key bearing the letter 12 is pressed down, scription, the rings being shifted up and on the keyboard, one of the pins 31 is raised down by the cam'in a continuously recur- .120 by the end of the key (Fig. 2), and the key ring cycle in the order .1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1, 2, also swings the plate up, rocking 3, 4, 3, 2, 1, etc. By reference to the dia the shaft 27, so that one of thearms 29 gram of Fig. 6, it will readily be seen that swings the plate 17 and cylinder until the the actuation of the remaining keys T law finger 18 strikes the end of thepin 31.. This patent law, necessary to complete the mes-. brings-the letter 9 on the type ring to printsage, patent law patent law will actuate the ing position opposite the hammer 36, since type r'myy incrflv icu, thus completing the type ring is now out of normal position the code message qyvbprmyy mcrfly ion.- anf g occupies the position normally oc- In order to-decipher the message on the cupied by the character 2 (Fig. 6). The machine, or in .a corresponding one, the

ts in the-raising of the i sition shown; and

- Fig. 6; the ring 2 space key cases, give characters and the spaces which do ap the wrong places,

setting of the type rings at the codepositions +1-2+2-3 is reversed, so that such rings occupy the positions -1+2--2+3,'re.- spectively. That is, the ring 1 is moved two spaces to the right of the positio'n shown in is moved four,spaces to the left from the position shown; the ring 3-is moved four-spaces to the right from the pothe ring 4' is moved six spaces to the left from the positionshown. The type rings should now be positioned so that they occupy "the same vertical positions as those occupied when the coding of the message was started. That is the ring 1 should beat the level of the striker 36.

'now, the keys are operated in accordance qyvbpr myy mcrfly with the code message, icu, the decoded message patent law patent law will be printed.

As indicated heretofore, the machine has been. for the sake of cfearness, illustrated and described in its simplest and most rudimentary form, and it will be understood that, in its commercial form, a number *of refinemerits and additions will be-provided. The usual keyboard and characters of'the standard machine willbe used, and the type rings changed accordingly. A shifting device, to permit the use of the upper ring with both the capitals and the small letters will also be used, as heretofore referred to. It will also be desirable to use a of the type rings (with a corresponding key in the-keyboard) to provide for spacing the words in decoding the message, the space key being used in coding the message and decoding it in the same manner as the ke 's bearing the characters. The actuation of t e in coding, will, of'course, in most in the coded message, ear will be at but in deco ing, the spaces will all appear at their proper places, thus a tvpe drum, having its facilitating the reading of the message.

What I claim is:

1. In combination in a coding .ty ewriter,

y axis vertica mounted for vertical and rotar movement and having a plurality of per orations through its wall at different points around its circumference and at different levels, a plurality of type fitting around the drum one above the other, and each having upon itsouter face a series of characters and .u on its rear side a series of recesses, a plura ity of catches carried the drum having fingers pro]ecting throng said perforations in the wall of the drum and adapted to en age said recesses in the type rings and hol them in any desired position of circumferential adjustment, 9. set of keys,-

means governed by the successive actuation of the keys for shifting the drum and the lurality of rings carried thereby up and own, so as to bring them'one after another 'to a level at which space blank on each-- the shaft up and down,

- type rings one after printing, and sucessive actuation of the keys for shifting the drum circumferentially to printing positions corresponding to the keys actuated.

2. In. combination in a coding typewriter having a supporting frame, a vertical shaft, bearing means threaded thereon for vertical adjustment, a tube journaled on said hearing means, a type drum carried by and secured to the tube, a sleeve surrounding the tube and having splined engagement therewith, means for swiveling said sleeve upon the supporting frame, sliding engaging f means between the drum and sleeve, a plurality of type rings carried by the-drum one above the other and adjustable circumferentially, a set of keys, means" whereby said shaft and the type drum carried thereby is shifted vertically step by stepby the actuation of the keys, and means a so operated by the actuation of the keys for shifting said sleeve and with it the type drum circumferentiaily in accordance with. the keys actuated. 3. In combination in acoding typewriter, a supporting frame, a vertical shaft guided in the frame for u a type drum on the shaft movable vertically therewith and rotatable with respect thereto, a plurality of type rings arranged one above the other on the drum and adjustablecircumi'erentially, a counterweighted lever for. moving the shaft up and down, means governed by the successive actuation of the keys for swinging said lever to move the shaft up and down, so as to bring the type rings one after the other to printing position, and-means also operated by the successive actuation of the keys for shifting the drum with the type rings circumferentially to printing (positions corresponding to the keys actuate a 4. In combination in a coding typewriter, a supporting frame, a vertical shaft guided intlie frame for up and down movement, a type drum on the shaft movable vertically t ercwith and rotatable with respect thereto, a p'luralityof type rings arran ed one above the other on ;the' drum and adjustable circumferentially, a counterweighted lever for moving the shaft up and down, a set of keys, means governed by the successive actuation of the keys for swinging said lever to move so as to bring the the other to printing position, means whereb the shaft may be adjustcd vertically wit respect to said lever, and means also operated by the successive actuation of the keys for shifting the drum with the type rings circumferentially to printing positions corresponding to the keys actuated. 55: 5. In com ination coding ty ewriter, a supporting -fraine,-a vertical sha guided in the frame for up and they are operative for means also operated by the doyn movement,=

and down movement,

a setof keys,

drum with thetyp a type drum on the shaft movable vertically therewith and rotatable with respect thereto, a plurality of type rings arran ed one above the other on the drum and ad ustable circumferentially, a lever pivoted upon the frame and having one end in operative engagement with the shaft for moving it up and down, a cam adjacent the lever having (:aperative engagement therewith, a set of eys, means actuated by the keys for giving the cam a step by step movement of rotation, and means also operated by-the success'i-ve actuation of the keys for shifting the e rings circumferentially to printing positlons corresponding to the keys actuated; 6.- In combination in a coding typewriter, a supporting frame, a'vertical shaft guided in the frame for up and down movement, a type drum on the shaft movable vertically therewith and rotatable with respect thereto, a plurality of type rings arranged one above the other onthe drum and ad ustable circumferentially, ,a lever pivoted upon the frame and having one end in operative engagement with-the shaft for moving it up and down, a cam at one side of the lever having a groove therein, a member projectin laterally from the lever and engaging sai groove, means actuated by the keys for giving the cam a step .by step movement of rotation, and means also operated by-the succes sive actuation of the keys for shifting the drum with the type rings circumferentially to printing ositions corresponding to the keys actuate 4 7. In combination in a coding ty ewriter, a supporting frame, a vertical sha t guided in the frame for up and down movement, a t pe drum on the shaft movable vertically t erewith androtatable with respect thereto,

.the other on t therewith and rotatable with a plurality of t pe rings arranged one above e drum and adjustable circumferentially, a lever pivoted upon the frame and having one end in operative engagement with the shaft for moving it up and down, a cam adjacent the lever having operative engagement therewith, a set of keys, means actuated by ing a'rack and pinion and a ratchet device for giving the cam a step by step movement of rotation, and successive actuation of the keys for shifting the drum with the type rings circumferentially to printing positions corresponding to the keys actuated.

8. In combination in acoding typewriter, a supporting frame, a vertical shaft guided in the frame for up and down movement, a type drum on the shaft movable vertically respect thereto, a plurality of type rings arranged one above the other on the drum and adjustable circumferentially, a lever pivoted upon the frame and having one end in operative engagement with the shaft for moving it up and down, a cam adjacent the lever having operative engagement therewith, a set of eye, means actuated by the keys for giving the cam a step by step movement of'rota tion, means for counterbalancing the wei ht of said shaft andthe parts carried there y, and means also operated by the successive actuation of the keys for shifting the drum with the type. rings circ'umferentially to printin positions corresponding to the keys actuate In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 6th day ofFebruary, 1926.

. ONSON.

the keys and includ-' means also operated by the 

